# Can shocks be improved

**URL:** <https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606>\
**Category:** GEM Forum\
**Created:** [November 8, 2014, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606 "2014-11-08T17:44:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@Mum](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Mum)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2014, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606/1 "2014-11-08T17:44:25Z")

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I have a Standard Poodle that needs to run faster than I can walk. With the window to the hard door down and holding the lead, we can go apprx 11 mph so he can get a good work out. He slows to about 5-6 mph when he gets tired. I know it’s kind of an unusual use for the Gem but it works. My question is can the ride be softened any by using other shocks. Love my 2010 e2.

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**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\
**Post date:** [November 9, 2014, 7:07am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606/2 "2014-11-09T07:07:27Z")

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This is a question often posed by owners of the older version GEMs. Yours is the first relating to later models.

Basically the suspension on a GEM has a relatively short travel.

To accomodate the passenger and cargo weight variation from 1 rider to 4 riders and clubs spring rates are relatively high.

To my knowledge no one has come up with a satisfactory solution. One of our members is looking at a set of air assist shocks from a Honda Gold Wing. They are within 1/4" in length. He hasn’t checked in for the last couple of weeks so I don’t know the status.

The older models (I have one) were less flexible than yours. However we are paved in our area so it’s not a problem for us.

You might consider a couple of sand bags to soften things up.😉

Rodney

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**Author:** ![Jolly\_Rodgers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7bcc69/32.png) [@Jolly\_Rodgers](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Jolly_Rodgers)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606/3 "2015-01-08T18:44:52Z")

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I have pondered over putting air bags in my e825. The coil springs are crazy stiff, if I come up with something I will share for sure.

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**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/can-shocks-be-improved/4606/4 "2015-01-08T19:09:57Z")

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Gwest converted to air shocks, You might want to read his thread. Very interesting. You might consider cutting coils or repositing the retaining collar.

BTW I have nylon replacemen bushings.